Less than a minute later, he spotted the player who had nearly taken him out, a fucking camper trying to snipe his way to a win. With a quick, calculated move, he snuck up from behind and executed a finishing move that secured the victory.
The cheers that erupted from his friends were like music to his ears. Derek didn't like losing—definitely not in life and certainly not when he gamed. The thrill of winning reignited his energy, but even amidst the celebration, a part of him still held onto thoughts of Ethan, imagining how much the boy would enjoy being part of this chaotic camaraderie.
After a few more rounds, all four men said their goodbyes, agreeing to connect again soon, likely the next evening. Derek turned off his PlayStation and headed down the hallway to his bedroom.
The space was well-kept, featuring a large king-size bed with nice furnishings and bedding that kept him cool at night. He pulled back the sheets and climbed in, the familiar comfort welcoming him as he lay down.
As he covered himself up, his thoughts drifted once more to Ethan. He felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of seeing the boy the next day and hearing all about how his first day of exercises went. With a smile on his face, Derek closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the evening envelop him as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Derek's alarm buzzed at five. He climbed out of bed, his routine etched in his mind. After sitting on the floor for twenty minutes to stretch, he pushed through two hundred push-ups and three hundred crunches, the intensity of his workout consuming him.
Afterward, he headed to the bathroom for a shower, but first, he paused in front of the mirror. Flexing his rippling abs, he couldn't help but smile at his reflection. He admired his twenty-two-inch arms, with baseball-like biceps and well-defined triceps, showcasing the years of hard work he had put in.
Though some might see his admiration as conceited or self-absorbed, Derek knew better. He had earned this physique, and he felt justified in appreciating the fruits of his labor.
He thrived on the looks he received in public—the women who did double takes, the men who respected his size. But what truly warmed his heart were the little kids whose eyes lit up in awe, pointing and practically shouting about how huge he was.
Those moments made his day, and it was likely why, when he spotted Ethan staring through the gym's glass, he felt compelled to give the boy the encouragement he so desperately craved.
Derek finished up his morning routine with a shower, meticulously trimming his beard down to stubble to achieve the rugged look he loved. He dressed in tight jeans that hugged his muscular thighs and an even tighter t-shirt that showcased his broad chest and sculpted arms. Layering a long-sleeve work shirt over it added a touch of practicality to his tough appearance, while his steel-toe work boots completed the ensemble, emphasizing his strong, masculine presence.
He packed his gym bag with fresh clothes and a towel, carefully checking his toiletry bag to ensure he had enough toothpaste and deodorant. His attention to detail reflected his dedication to keeping everything in order. Satisfied, he walked out to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, ready to fuel his body for the day ahead.
Once in the kitchen and set to work preparing breakfast. He cracked six eggs into a bowl, whisking them vigorously before pouring the mixture into a hot skillet. While the eggs cooked, he toasted two slices of whole-grain bread, spreading a thin layer of avocado on top for healthy fats.
Next, he grabbed a bowl and mixed together a serving of oatmeal with almond milk, adding a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost. He topped it with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
As the eggs finished cooking, he plated them alongside the avocado toast and oatmeal, making sure to balance protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. With a glass of water by his side, Derek sat down to enjoy his hearty meal, knowing it would fuel his workout and keep him energized throughout the day.
After finishing his breakfast, Derek headed to the fridge to grab his prepped lunch—a grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli, packed in a sturdy container. He also picked up some midday snacks: a couple of protein bars and a small bag of mixed nuts, ensuring he had enough to keep him going through a rigorous workday.
With everything in hand, he walked out to his Jeep, the powerful vehicle gleaming in the morning sun. He tossed his lunch and snacks into the passenger seat, then climbed in, ready to tackle the day. As he drove to the construction site, he felt a sense of excitement for the work ahead, knowing that each project brought its own challenges and rewards.
Derek's workday was strenuous from the start. He arrived at the construction site, greeted by the blazing sun and heat. The air was thick with humidity as he dove into heavy lifting, maneuvering beams and materials that tested his strength. Sweat dripped down his brow, the intense labor putting his deodorant to the test.
As the hours wore on, he focused on the tasks at hand, knowing that each movement not only contributed to the project but also pushed his limits. The combination of physical exertion and the sun's relentless rays kept him working hard, but he thrived in the challenge, relishing the way it sculpted his physique even further.
During his lunch break, Derek took a moment to check his phone. A text from Ethan popped up, and a smile spread across his face as he read it.
**Ethan:** "Hi, Derek! I hope you're having a good day. I just wanted to say thanks again for the ride. I hope I'm not bothering you…"
Derek quickly replied, wanting to reassure the boy.
**Derek:** "Not at all, Ethan! You made my day. How's everything going?"
After a brief pause, his phone buzzed with Ethan's response.
**Ethan:** "Really? That's awesome! I did some push-ups like you said. It was hard but fun!"
Derek could almost hear the excitement in Ethan's words, and he felt a warmth in his chest.
**Derek:** "That's great to hear! Keep it up. You're doing awesome!"
**Ethan:** "Thanks! I can't wait to tell you more about it. You're the best!"
Derek chuckled, feeling a sense of pride for the boy. It was clear that their connection was growing, and he looked forward to encouraging Ethan even more.
Derek finished his lunch and packed up his container before heading back to the construction site. The afternoon was just as demanding as the morning, with more heavy lifting and tasks under the relentless sun.
As the workday wrapped up, as with most days, Derek felt a sense of accomplishment. He wiped the sweat from his brow and mentally prepared for his next destination—the gym. With Ethan's text still lingering in his mind, he looked forward to hitting the weights and giving his all, both for himself and for the young boy he was eager to inspire.
Derek spent the next two hours at the gym, lifting heavy and pushing himself to the limit. He focused on his form, feeling the adrenaline surge with each set, relishing the familiar intensity of his workout. After finishing, he took a refreshing shower, letting the water wash away the sweat and fatigue.
Once he was clean and changed, he headed to the front desk to grab a protein shake. Liam was there, leaning casually against the counter, and as usual, they exchanged their usual banter.
"Another day of trying to out-lift everyone, huh?" Liam smirked as he handed Derek his shake.
"Someone's gotta keep this place competitive," Derek shot back with a grin.
Liam glanced past Derek, out the window, and then gave him an off-putting smirk. "Looks like your little friend is back, staring in again."
Derek turned and saw Ethan standing outside, peering through the window, clearly searching for someone. A smile broke across Derek's face when he realized the boy was looking for him.
"Yeah, that's Ethan," Derek said, still smiling. "We've been working out together in the park—basic stuff, you know? He's a sweet kid."
Liam raised an eyebrow, giving Derek a teasing look. "I'm sure he is. Looks like you've got yourself a little protégé."
"Maybe," Derek replied, shaking his head with amusement. "He's got potential though. Really determined."
Liam gave him a knowing nod, then grinned. "Just don't let him out-lift you one day, huh?"
Derek laughed and waved Liam off. "We'll see."
As he stepped through the door, he turned back to call out to Ethan. "Hey, kid!" he shouted, and Ethan's eyes lit up as he bounded over, excitement all over his face.
"Hey, Derek!" Ethan exclaimed, his face brightening. "Did you have a good workout?"
"Yeah, it was intense," Derek replied with a grin. "I pushed myself pretty hard today. What about you? Did you practice anything else?"
Ethan's eyes lit up. "I tried doing some sit-ups too! But they were tough."
"Nice job, man! That's how you get stronger," Derek encouraged. "Want a ride home again?"
Ethan's face broke into a smile. "Really? That would be awesome!"
"Of course! Let's get going," Derek said, gesturing for Ethan to follow him to the Jeep.
Instead of driving Ethan home, Derek turned toward a park he frequented for runs. As they ventured deeper into the wooded area, Ethan glanced around, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. The trees closed in, casting shadows that made the unfamiliar path feel more daunting.
"Where are we going?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Derek smiled reassuringly. "You'll see! I want to show you something cool."
Ethan nodded, but the nervousness lingered. He trusted Derek, yet the change in direction made him uneasy. He wondered what awaited him in the depths of the park.
Soon, Derek parked the Jeep and turned to Ethan with an infectious smile. "Let's go!"
Ethan's heart raced as he stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement and wariness. He glanced back at the Jeep, a comforting refuge, then turned to the tree-lined path ahead where Derek was leading him.
As they walked, Derek took Ethan's hand, sensing the boy's slight tremble. "It's okay, buddy," he reassured him. "I promise you'll like this."
Ethan looked up, his eyes reflecting both nervousness and trust. He felt a flutter in his stomach but took a deep breath, trying to relax as he followed Derek into the unknown.
As they continued along the path, they came to a small clearing where exercise equipment was set up. The area was filled with various structures designed for bodyweight exercises—pull-up bars, dip stations, and balance beams.
Derek's eyes lit up. "Look at this, Ethan! This is a great spot for you to come and work out on your own."
Ethan's gaze widened as he took in the equipment, a mix of curiosity and excitement replacing his earlier nerves.
Derek gestured to the bars. "These are perfect for starting out. They use your own body weight, which is great for building strength without needing heavy weights just yet."
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of possibility. "I could really do this?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
"Absolutely!" Derek replied, beaming. "It's all about getting started and having fun while you do it. We can come here together, and I'll show you how to use everything."
Derek grinned at Ethan, excitement bubbling within him. "Hey, I just worked out, but why don't you start now? I'll help you and explain how everything works."
Ethan's eyes brightened at the invitation. "Really? You'll show me?"
"Of course!" Derek replied, motioning toward the first station. "Let's start with the pull-up bar. It's a great way to build upper body strength. I'll show you how to do it, and then you can give it a try."
As Ethan approached the pull-up bar, he hesitated, glancing up at it with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "What if I can't do it?" he asked, his voice wavering.
"You can do it," Derek replied calmly, adopting a coaching tone. "Just give it a shot. It's okay if it's hard; that's part of getting stronger."
Ethan took a deep breath and gripped the bar, pulling himself up. He managed only a few inches before his arms trembled, and he dropped back down, frustration creeping into his expression. "I can't!" he groaned, feeling defeated.
"Hey, don't say that," Derek said, his voice steady. "It's tough, but you're doing great just by trying. Remember, it's all about building up. Try again, and focus on engaging your muscles. You've got this."
With Derek's encouraging words, Ethan nodded, steeling himself for another attempt. He gripped the bar again, pushing himself upward with all his might. Though he still struggled, he felt Derek's steady presence beside him, urging him on.
As they moved through the different stations, Derek demonstrated each exercise, explaining the proper form and techniques. He encouraged Ethan every step of the way, making sure the boy felt supported and confident. Ethan watched closely, absorbing every detail, eager to try it all for himself.
As Derek demonstrated each exercise, Ethan watched intently, mesmerized by the way his muscles flexed and rippled. When Derek executed a perfect push-up, Ethan felt his stomach flip-flop, an unfamiliar flutter of excitement mixed with admiration.
Derek moved to the dip station, showcasing his strength as he lowered and raised his body with ease. Ethan couldn't help but be captivated; he felt a swelling inside him, a mix of inspiration and something he couldn't quite name. He admired Derek's determination and strength, wishing he could embody that same confidence.
"See how I'm keeping my form tight?" Derek explained, pausing to glance at Ethan. "You'll get there too, just keep practicing."
Ethan nodded, still entranced, feeling a strange sense of determination mixed with the admiration he had for this man before him. It was a feeling he couldn't fully understand but welcomed nonetheless.
After each demonstration, Ethan attempted to replicate the exercises, but he struggled more than Derek had. With each failed attempt, he felt the pride he had earlier begin to fade, replaced by a creeping sense of defeat. Just as he was about to give in, he felt Derek's strong hands grip his body, steadying him.
"You got this, Ethan," Derek's deep voice resonated in his ear. "I know you can do this."
The boy felt a surge of determination flood through him, fueled by the warmth of Derek's firm grip, which nearly encircled his slender waist. The sheer size of Derek's hands reassured him, and he realized how much he wanted to impress the man. With renewed resolve, he summoned every ounce of strength he had left and pushed through, determined to finish what he had started.
When they finished all the stations, to Ethan's surprise, Derek scooped him off the ground, his excitement palpable. "I knew you could do it! I knew you had it in you, little man! I'm so damn proud!"
Ethan's heart raced, a mix of joy and confusion flooding through him. He felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes, and he fought to hold them back. Why was Derek being so nice? No one had ever treated him like this before.
As he hung in Derek's strong, muscular arms, he felt a profound sense of safety and security enveloping him. It was overwhelming, this sudden surge of encouragement. Ethan couldn't quite grasp why it meant so much, but it did.
Derek noticed the flicker of emotions in Ethan's eyes. He squeezed him tighter, wanting to offer all the comfort he could. "You're doing amazing, Ethan. Remember that," he said softly.
Then, almost instinctively, Derek pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Ethan's head, a gesture of affection that felt right in the moment. But as he pulled back, a wave of concern washed over him. "Was that okay?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Ethan looked up, surprised but not unhappy. "Yeah, it was… nice," he replied, feeling a warmth spread through him. In that moment, he realized how much he craved this kind of support, and it filled him with a determination to keep pushing forward.
Derek's expression softened, and he looked down at Ethan with genuine concern. "Hey, I really don't want to make you uncomfortable. If I ever do something you don't like, you need to tell me, okay? It's important that you feel safe with me."
Ethan nodded, feeling reassured by Derek's words. "I will," he promised, his voice steadying. The warmth of Derek's support wrapped around him like a blanket, making it easier to open up.
Derek smiled, relieved. "Good. I want you to know that you can trust me. We're a team, and I'm here to help you grow stronger, both in body and in confidence."
Ethan felt a swell of gratitude as he absorbed Derek's sincerity. It was a new feeling, and he found himself wanting to embrace it, determined to keep moving forward.
As they walked back to the Jeep, Ethan chattered excitedly about everything they'd just done, his enthusiasm infectious. Derek listened intently, soaking in the boy's joy. But as he walked, his mind drifted back to his own childhood.
He remembered how it felt to grow up without a father or any strong male figure to guide him. He had to learn everything on his own, often the hard way. There were times he got into fights, feeling like a weakling compared to the other kids, struggling to prove himself. That longing for guidance and support was something he had carried with him for years.
Now, looking at Ethan, he can see so much of himself in the boy. He feels an intense desire to be the kind of mentor he wished he had—a positive influence to help Ethan build strength and confidence. Derek doesn't want the boy to face the same struggles he had. This connection felt profound, a chance to break the cycle and give Ethan the support he deserved.
As Derek pulled up outside Ethan's house, the boy eagerly scrambled over the center console, throwing his arms around him in a hug that lingered longer than usual.
When they finally pulled apart, Ethan beamed, his smile genuine. "Thank you, Derek! Today was a lot of fun."
Derek chuckled and replied, "I had fun too, but don't be surprised if you're sore tomorrow. Try to take a warm bath if you can—it'll help."
He waited for Ethan to get to the front door and as he watched the boy step inside, turning to wave, Derek waved back and then drove away.
The days and weeks that followed settled into a comfortable rhythm. Derek's routine was pretty much set, and it seemed like that routine now included Ethan. What started as chance meetings had gradually turned into something more regular, as if their lives were intertwining without either of them really acknowledging it.
One day in particular stood out. Derek was in the middle of a punishing arm workout, music blasting through his headphones, the familiar burn surging through his muscles. He was lost in the rhythm of it, almost oblivious to the world around him, but there was a prickling sense that he was being watched. He finished his set, pulling the weights down with a grunt, and turned to find the gym's owner, Liam, standing there with one hand resting firmly on Ethan's shoulder.
"Found this little guy skulking around outside," Liam said, his voice stern but with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Says he knows you?"
Liam stood at an imposing six feet tall, his presence commanding the room even before he spoke. At forty-seven, his body still carried the remnants of his bodybuilding days, thick and muscular, though the years had softened the sharpest edges. Weighing in at two hundred fifty nine pounds, he retained an impressive build, with broad shoulders and arms that remained defined, even as age had begun to show its hand. To someone like Ethan, small and uncertain, Liam's size alone could make him seem like a giant, his solid frame a wall of muscle that was both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
His hair, once jet-black, was now streaked with gray at the temples, giving him a distinguished air, while his well-ke